Upcoming conference: Making enlargement work, again
On 27 September, SIEPS will gather prominent experts to discuss crucial issues regarding EU enlargement. The conference is fully booked but you can sign up to the waiting list.
Strengthening State Capacity: Lessons for the EU's Next Enlargement
EU membership is transformational but also highly demanding. Visnja Vukov (University of Vienna) considers how the EU can strengthen state capacity in candidate countries so that they are ready to join and flourish as members. (2024:19epa)
From Marginal to Central: the Foreign and Security Dimension of EU Enlargement Policy
In the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, EU enlargement acquired a renewed impetus: the security of both aspiring and existing members. Barbara Lippert explores how this put foreign and security policy at the heart of the accession process. (2024:18epa)
Conference 27 September – Making Enlargement Work, Again
The European Union is taking determined steps towards further enlargement. This process invokes important political and institutional questions as well as geo-strategical considerations, and how these questions are answered will be decisive for the future shape and direction of the Union. To analyse these crucial issues, SIEPS is gathering leading experts on enlargement for a full-day conference.
A new political landscape: Europe after the elections
The 2024 European Parliament elections saw a general shift to the political right. At the same time, the results point to both fragmentation and continuity. In this early assessment, political scientists Simon Hix (EUI), Göran von Sydow and Valentin Kreilinger (SIEPS) analyse the outcome of the elections and consider the consequences for the politics and policies of the EU. (2024:16epa)
Fit for 35 Forum
The EU is likely to eventually have up to thirty-five members and will need to adapt to accommodate them. SIEPS asks leading experts what the Union can or should do to be ‘Fit for 35’.
How did Europe vote?
On 10 June, SIEPS hosted a webinar to summarize the results of the European Parliament elections. With Simon Hix, Cecilia Malmström, Daniela Schwarzer and Valentin Kreilinger. A recording is available.
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Recent publications in English
Widening Without Falling Apart: Germany’s EU Enlargement Policy
What is Germany’s view on enlargement? In this European Policy Analysis, Theresia Töglhofer (German Council on Foreign Relations) describes the evolution of Berlin’s policy on the future shape of the EU. Consolidation was once seen as a prerequisite, now the geopolitical context means that the enlargement of a (reformed) Union is considered vital. (2024:13epa)
The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages: Preliminary Assessment of Potential Impacts
Once regarded as legally and politically impossible, the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages is now a reality. Leading labour market economist Dominique Anxo assesses whether the landmark legislation is likely to achieve its aims. (2024:2)
CBAM: Bending the carbon curve or breaking international trade?
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a cornerstone of the EU’s trade and climate policy. Alexandra Buylova and Naghmeh Nasiritousi present the tool, consider its potential global impacts, and discuss how the EU can minimize unwanted side effects. (2024:9epa)
Restoring the Borderless Schengen Area: Mission Impossible?
The increase in border checks within the Schengen zone, since 2015, has prompted a recent EU strategy to ‘save Schengen’. But according to expert on EU law Steve Peers, the ongoing changes are unlikely to restore a fundamentally border-free travel area. (2024:12epa)
The 2024 European Parliament Elections: Potential Outcome and Consequences
The European Parliament elections in June take place in a fragmented political landscape. Political scientists Simon Hix and Abdul Noury consider the expected election results, which point to unstable majorities and a challenge when it comes to build a majority for the election of the Commission President. (2024:10epa)
Von der Leyen’s Geopolitical Commission: Vindicated by Events?
On taking office in 2019, Ursula von der Leyen declared that she would lead a ‘geopolitical’ Commission. In this analysis, political scientist Calle Håkansson shows that this ambition had a larger impact than many expected. Developments since also point to a continued active and strategic role for the European Commission. (2024:7epa)
Fit for 35 Forum
A new SIEPS forum where experts from research, policy and think tanks present their thoughts on EU reform and enlargement in short texts.
EU Enlargement: Exporting Stability or Importing Instability?
April 2024 • Leigh Michael
Despite the security risks involved, there can be no going back on the EU’s commitment to a renewed enlargement process. Professor Michael Leigh outlines what steps policymakers need to take to fulfil the EU’s aspiration of securing stability. (3 April 2024)
Enlargement and Institutional Reform: How to make a credible security commitment
February 2024 • Jones Erik
The challenges of enlargement are great, but the costs of non-enlargement are greater. Professor Erik Jones points out what European policymakers need to consider when committing to enlargement as an investment in peace, security, and stability. (27 February 2024)